We are sad to announce the passing of Mary Jane Kistinger

A memorial service will be held on Thursday the 25th of July at Buono Funeral Service, Inc at located at 100 Main Street, Saugerties, NY, 12477, from 3:00-6:00 PM. During that time calling hours are from 3:00-5:00. From 5:00-6:00 PM, there will be an officiating by Pastor Jeff Dodig, and friends and family who wish to speak and pay their last regards are welcome. Following the service, a food and refreshment gathering will take place from 6:15-9:15 PM at the Maribella's Private Dining Room, located at 123 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY, 12477.

All are welcome to gather and celebrate Mary's life.

October 01, 1967 – July 03, 2024

Mary J. Kistinger of Saugerties, NY, passed away on July 3, 2024, after a courageous six-week battle with an unexpected illness. She was born in Suffern, NY. and throughout her illness, she demonstrated bravery and an unwavering zest for life, continuing to pursue her passions in art, food, gardening, and vintage everything. Her family stood by her side during this unexpected transition.

Mary graduated from Binghamton University, NY, with a BFA in art. She embarked on a journey of exploration, spending her last semester and internship in London and traveling throughout Europe.

A woman of diverse talents and passions, Mary pursued various careers that aligned with her interests. She began her career in cooking, fueling her love for whole foods and working as a chef at Edge of the Woods Market in New Haven, Connecticut and the Cambridge Food Co-op. She later transitioned into academia, working at MIT in Boston and then at UMass Lowell in the International Exchange Department. Afterward, she moved to Florida to be closer to her sister, where she found a fulfilling role as a marketing coordinator at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Her latest job was at Newberry's Artisan Market in Saugerties, NY, where she sold vintage and personal creations, always finding joy in working with her passions.

Mary had a great love for animals and had a special place in her heart for her beloved cats, Marshmallow, Nugget, and Curie. She cultivated her caring value for animals by volunteering regularly at the Cat Café in Miami Beach, FL. She also had a green thumb and took pride in her gardens, with lilies being a common sight. Art and vintage collections brought Mary immense joy, and she was an avid student of art, specializing in printmaking and even running her own printmaking art studio in Lowell, MA.

In the realm of eternal peace, Mary has reunited with her beloved parents, Joan Kistinger and John Kistinger. While her physical presence may be absent, she leaves behind cherished memories and the love she shared with her twin sister and best friend, Ann Kistinger, and her dear cousin, Jill Cohan (Dodig).

On her mother's side, Mary's departure leaves a void felt deeply by her Aunt Dorothy Dodig, along with her cousins Jeff Dodig, John Dodig, Jay Dodig, and their respective families. Similarly, on her father's side, her Aunt Joan Kistinger, Aunt Diane Kistinger, and Uncle Gary Kistinger, along with her cousins Amanda Kistinger, Sarah Apa (Kistinger), and Jacob Kistinger, mourn her loss alongside their own families. Included in her family, Mary also leaves behind her stepsister, Debbie Sippola, from her father's beloved partner, Doris Sippola.

Mary was a treasure to all who knew her and will be deeply missed. We take solace in knowing that she is now in the loving embrace of the angels, surrounded by beautiful trees, which were another one of her passions.

In leu of donations Mary would ask that you volunteer or donate to Saugerties Animal Shelter
https://saugertiesanimalshelter.com/donate.shtml